Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane has declared his side’s intent to compete fearlessly at the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup as the South African champions prepare for a daunting group stage featuring continental heavyweights from Asia, Europe and South America.
Speaking just days before their first match in the expanded 32-team tournament, Zwane expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to challenge the likes of South Korea’s Ulsan HD, Germany’s Borussia Dortmund and Brazilian giants Fluminense in Group F.
“It’s exciting for any player to take part in such a prestigious tournament,” Zwane told FIFA TV. “You want to test yourself at this level, see how far you can go, and measure yourself against the best in the world.”
The midfielder, who was part of Sundowns’ last Club World Cup appearance in 2016, now leads a squad with renewed ambition and maturity.
The team is currently in the United States for their final preparations, aiming to sharpen their tactics and fitness ahead of what promises to be a rigorous group campaign.
Returning to the global stage after an eight-year absence, the reigning African champions are keen to prove their progress. Their last outing at the Club World Cup ended early, but Zwane believes the current generation is more composed, more experienced and better prepared to leave a mark.
“We’ll go there, play our football, try to win, and match them in terms of quality and pace,” he said. “We respect every team in our group, but we don’t fear any of them.”
Sundowns’ first task will be against Ulsan HD, a side known for its disciplined structure and technical sharpness.
But it is the encounter with Borussia Dortmund, a club renowned for its attacking flair and European pedigree, that many see as the ultimate test for the South African champions.
Zwane acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the importance of preparation and belief. “We’ve been watching them.
They are a good team with talented players. But we’ve prepared well, and we believe in our own strengths.”
Equally symbolic is Sundowns’ forthcoming clash with Fluminense. The connection between the two clubs runs deeper than competition, with the South Africans long drawing inspiration from the Brazilian side, mirrored in both their yellow and blue kits and their commitment to a fluid, attacking style of football.
“It’s going to be an exciting match,” Zwane said of the anticipated showdown. “They are incredibly talented. They understand and love the game, and they play with joy.
That’s something we admire, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Themba Zwane’s leadership and calm assurance are expected to play a pivotal role in guiding Sundowns through this demanding group.
With their captain setting the tone, the squad is motivated not just to participate but to compete on equal footing with the world’s elite.
As the tournament approaches, Mamelodi Sundowns carry with them not only the hopes of South Africa but of African football more broadly. For Zwane and his teammates, the Club World Cup is more than a global showcase. It is a platform to demonstrate that the continent’s best can stand tall on football’s grandest stages.
